The world’s best cruise lines revealed
The results are in and cruisers around the world have voted for their favourite cruise lines. We’ve pulled together the best of the best from the most prestigious lists.
Best large cruise line
With 175 years of history and three of the grandest ships afloat, it’s hard to go past Cunard as the best large cruise line in the world. The line is best known for its White Star Service and guests will be well looked after from the moment they step aboard. There’s also an extensive enrichment program, including things like lectures and dance classes, to keep everyone entertained. The flagship Queen Mary 2 has just entered drydock for a comprehensive, multimillion dollar refurbishment, so you can expect this line to keep getting better and better.
Runners up in this category were Hurtigruten and Celebrity Cruises. Hurtigruten might not be that well known to Australian cruisers as they specialise in expedition voyages around Norway and the Arctic Circle, using vessels that are part cargo/part passenger. They are one of the best for seeing the Northern Lights. Celebrity Cruises are a local favourite, with their premium, mid-size ships Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice regularly sailing in our waters.
Best small cruise line
Small ships mean luxury ships, and Seabourn does this better than anyone else in the world. Carrying no more than 458 passengers and with just three ships in the fleet (and a fourth coming at the end of this year), Seabourn provides the ultimate stylish, small-ship experience and wants its passengers to feel like they are sailing on a private yacht. Service is key with a ratio of one to one for staff and passengers and just about everything is included in the price, from butler service to champagne.
Silversea, another ultra-luxe line, also rates highly in this category. It has a larger fleet with a number of expedition ships, so you can venture to places like the Galapagos or Antarctica in five-star comfort. For a real high seas adventure, Windstar Cruises operates three classic sailing ships sailing around remote regions like Costa Rica and Tahiti.
Best river cruise line
Local favourite APT is widely regarded as the best river cruise line in the world, with innovative ships sailing in Europe, Southeast Asia, India, China, the USA, South America and southern Africa. River cruising has come a long way in just a few years and APT’s modern ships have swimming pools, sun decks, multiple fine dining restaurants and huge suites with floor to ceiling windows to make the most of the views. If you’re sailing along the Mekong, you can even join a cruise hosted by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, who will take you shopping in the local markets and then prepare dinner back onboard.
Scenic is another Australian company that operates an incredible fleet of river ships, including the just-launched Scenic Spirit on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Scenic is a luxury line that promises and all-inclusive cruise, so you don’t have to worry about that extra cocktail on the bill. If you like your cruising to be a little bit grand, Uniworld operates a seriously opulent fleet of ships with more four poster beds, patterned wall paper and grand artwork than you’d find in any hotel.
Do you agree with the above list? Have you cruised with any of the lines mentioned, and how did you find the experience?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Related links:
5 things you MUST do to avoid seasickness on a cruise
10 things you must never do in a cruise cabin
P&O’s first cruise around New Zealand